Suggestions/Advice for a first time buyer

OK guys/gals, I've been looking at the various cars off and on for the past couple of years. Over the last couple of years I've reduced my collection by selling my 69 Ghia (major restoration project) and my 72 914. I have decided that before I move back to Michigan at the end of 2006 I'm going to pick up a car in Northern California. What I have not decided on is what brand, age, or level of completion I desire. I would like to hear from owners, both good and bad, is their opinions and lessons learned on the various makes currently available for a first time buyer.

I was just wondering if you got your questions answered by reading thru the forum?

I have a 2001 Honda Accord that I love. It came completed straight from the factory - virtually problem free. I would recommend it to anyone. My only complaint is that people are constantly coming up and asking if it is a "real" Honda Accord.

I feel your pain.

Thanks, I can't believe the responses to my post, this really makes me want to rush out and purchase a car to join a group that wont even give a straight response to a basic question.

You should use the Search function to look for topics that interest you and first of all read the posts in the Newbie section first. Please remember some of these things that are being asked about have been discussed ad nauseum before. I suggest you do your homework first.

"marq" learns fast. He's only been here a few days and he's already adopted the "attitude" of several of our most prolific members.

Hey Marq, I tried to send you an e-mail at the address you provided but it came back (twice). Did you record it correctly?

I believe the point to owning a car like these "is to not be a part of a group".

You will be hard pressed to find group benefits to a car that really only has two basic shows a year that is geared towards it, and even those shows are many times predominently cobras and speedsters are looked down upon.

I have noticed that John Leader for example likes to talk about the "some members of this group", as if he isn't like them. I have noticed several times lately, while he may think he is very clever at how he does it, he is just as bad as the rest of them. Point your finger at someone and notice how many are pointing back at you???

Jennifer, I'm not certain what forum you are speaking from. While it is true that there are only two national gatherings of Speedster and Spyder owners, there are many local and regional gatherings that do not garner as much attention as the big events do.

The owners in California are fortunate that they have a large base of members to draw from since many of the cars were built there, either Southern California or British Columbia. I envy them for this and have said so previously.

I am finding that there is an increasing number of members in the Southeast and we are on the cutting edge of forming what I hope will be some lasting relationships based upon our love of these cars and, more importantly, friendship.

I don't know if you have met John Leader face to face, but I have and found him to be a great fellow. His car is a real piece of work and he is, I believe, an important part of this community. His comments usually seem to be on point and well thought out. I appreciate his no nonsense approach and his occasional chastisement of members that get a little out of line, myself included.

I appreciate your comments, but I do not agree with them.

Hoss

I am only talking about his personna on the site. Most people are different in real life then they are on the web, I'm sure he is no different, but many of his posts have a similar ring to them, if you can't hear it then your probably just not listening for it, but I'm sure he will find something to say indicating how I'm stupid in some way. This is what he always seems to do, and people just let him skate right through, he must be a great guy in person to be able to get away with this so much?

BTW, this is perfect, John L. basically bashes the "prolific" posters and because he doesn't have the balls to actually say a person, he is able to take his free shots and there's no penalty. Yes he is quite the guy alright, in a superior better then the rest of you way. His posts always have a ring of standing on higher ground while he at the same time bashes someone for saying something he doesn't like, or in this instance just throwing a barb at a group of "prolific" posters.

You want to talk about a stupid nonsense post, that one accomplishes nothing, but maybe entertaining himself, because most people don't even know who he is talking about.

He stands on higher ground alright, but that ground is animal fecal matter.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Jennifer, stop it, your killing me.......

"I sense the presence of the dark force" Obi-One

Marc - What $ you looking to spend (<$10k is unfinished kit or bummed out used)and for what purpose (daily driver -- brrr in Wisconsin or show car).

Marq, I guess you need to be more specific in regards to what you initially asked. My answer to your vague question would be

"marq" is suddenly silent and "Jennifer" pops up from the deep. Has someone bobbed to the surface in a skirt???????

So this is no longer a thread about newbies wanting information about 356's? Now we are talking about floaters and sinkers? Just kidding. Marq has apparently left the building.

Mr. Jenny.

John Leader is considered to be a friend and good guy by many here. If you attack him again we might have to hunt you down and wipe that silly lipstick off your face.

Excuse me, but as John Leader said, you shouldn't take anything personally on a site such as this, and you especially shouldn't take something personally that is said about someone else. "taking things personally on a site such as this can be bad for your mental health" is how I think he put it, but I'm paraphrasing.

I wonder if Jennifer's "poodle skirt" and scarf compliment her original 356 luggage, picnic basket and sun visors.

Been away for awhile but things/people don't change!

Hey Syu, how's the skiing? Yeah Jennifer was a FREAK...

dude sking awsume!!!!!!
Unfortunately Marilyn got hit by another skier in a freak accident. Broke her thibia into more than 20 pieces not counting splinters.
This was so harsh. 6 hours surgery two blood transfusions, 16 inch plate and enough screws to make home depot 1st 1/4. It was really ugly. On the snow side we hd 8 1/2 feet of great pow pow. I am back for 10 days Feb 3rd an then back for another 25 days in March. I will get my 4o in this year again. Epic ski year. heli sking has been great and the back country stable thus far!
How is your re-hab? Marilyn is looking at 12 - 16 months and you can call me nurse rachet!
Happy New year to you Mike!
Hope all is well and Fern is ready for the spring!

By the way am certain Jennifer is a guy but amazed at jim Ward interest. Being an Oky I guess it is new for him.. Vince however I am certain could see it comin for a mile. He/she posts were actually somewaht pointed in concept.

Stuart, For me it was "love at first post"....
Would love to meet a woman with a tongue like mine....
We could never get along, But I'd like to meet her....
Who is Marilyn (wife?) and sorry to hear about her fall.....

Strange and freak accident. She got hit by a skier falling down with both skis across her left leg.
Thank you for your thoughts. It will be a long haul.

Hope your hoildays were great Vince.
Best to you and your family.
Stu